Alex Morgan bids farewell in final professional match as San Diego wave falls to North Carolina courage

In an emotional farewell, soccer star Alex Morgan played a symbolic 13 minutes and had a penalty kick saved during her final professional match on Sunday, as San Diego Wave FC lost 4-1 to North Carolina Courage. The two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist announced on Thursday that this NWSL home game at Snapdragon Stadium would mark the end of her nearly 14-year career at both the international and professional levels.

The Final Match and Tribute

In the 10th minute, Morgan was denied a storybook ending when North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy, also a recent U.S. national team teammate, saved her left-footed penalty. San Diego equalized three minutes later, and Morgan exited the field just over 13 minutes into the match—a tribute to the No. 13 jersey she famously wore for club and country. With tears in her eyes, Morgan removed her cleats at midfield, waved, and blew kisses to the fans who chanted her name as players from both teams surrounded and applauded her. Forward Amirah Ali replaced Morgan on the field.

Reflecting on her career after the match, Morgan expressed gratitude. “What a ride it’s been. I want to thank my teammates for constantly challenging me and making me better every day. I want to thank my family, who have sacrificed so much and supported me relentlessly. I love you all—every one of the 95 of you who came tonight. And to the fans, you pushed me to be my best self every day, on and off the field. This last moment on the field with you is something I will cherish forever. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Morgan said.

Career Achievements and Legacy

Throughout her career, Morgan was part of the U.S. teams that won the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, the 2012 Olympic gold medal, and a bronze medal in 2021. With 123 goals for the U.S. national team, she ranks fifth in the program’s history and is one of only seven players to score 100 or more goals. Morgan participated in four World Cups, making her breakout performance in 2011, where the U.S. lost to Japan in a penalty shootout in the final.

Domestically, Morgan won the first NWSL title with Portland Thorns in 2013 and secured a professional title with the Western New York Flash in 2011 in the NWSL’s predecessor, Women’s Professional Soccer. In 2022, she won the NWSL Golden Boot, scoring 15 goals in 17 games, helping the Wave become the first expansion team to qualify for the playoffs in its first season. The Wave also won the NWSL Shield as the top team of the regular season. Morgan played 150 NWSL games, 63 with San Diego, and in 2017, she won a treble, including the UEFA Champions League, during a short stint with Lyon.

Farewell and Future Plans

Morgan’s sendoff match drew 26,516 fans in nearly 100-degree heat at Snapdragon Stadium, a testament to her influence and popularity. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman praised Morgan’s impact, stating, “Alex’s efforts off the field are what set her apart and made her the true GOAT. On the field, she’s broken records and barriers, but her advocacy for the league and her role in the new CBA for players have been transformative. She’s been an inspiration at every step of her career.”

The game made history as the first women’s sporting event broadcast across multiple outlets, including the ESPN networks in the U.S., after initially being slated for NWSL+ and Paramount+. Berman noted that a significant number of tickets were sold quickly after Morgan announced her retirement. “12,000 tickets were sold in one day after she announced this would be her last game. That’s the power of Alex Morgan,” Berman said.

Morgan confirmed she would play limited minutes in the match and also announced her pregnancy with her second child on Thursday. Reflecting on her decision to retire, Morgan said, “I’ve accomplished everything I ever wanted and more. I feel at peace with this decision because I’m ready to start a family, to step aside, and let the next generation shine. It’s a good feeling when you know you’re ready.”

Wave interim coach Landon Donovan remarked on Morgan’s retirement, saying, “It’s sad to see her go. I don’t think there will ever be another one like her.” Morgan wore the captain’s armband for her final match, and her 4-year-old daughter, Charlie, served as her mascot for the walkout and national anthem, wearing a Wave jersey with “MOM 13” on the back.